Part I of this guide explores the benefits of using
online courses to deliver advanced content
for secondary school students, and it identifies the
specific types of advanced course work most commonly
available from online course providers.

Part II examines key implementation factors for districts or schools to consider
if they decide to move ahead with establishing or expanding a program of advanced
online learning for their students. This section focuses in particular on the
need for districts and schools to work in partnership with an online provider.
Examples are drawn from across the six online providers and their partner districts
and schools. Vignettes, based on interviews with providers, district or school
administrators, site coordinators, and students, are used to illustrate various
aspects of what online learning looks like in practice, although pseudonyms are
used to protect individuals' privacy. To further illustrate some points, sample
materials taken directly from the programs or partner schools are presented in
accompanying figures.

Part III provides a brief profile or narrative snapshot
of each individual provider, its history, and
key features. Readers may want to refer to these
profiles to get a more comprehensive and general
understanding of each provider.